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The defense is still improved overall from last year. We were at the bottom of the nfl last year and now we're in the middle. Tho Matthews is pretty vital to our pass rush success he's not the sole reason we've improved. I think we should also be wondering how the lions secondary are gonna handle the offense.

Could be Heaven or Hell....this week and next. Time to put our big boy pants on and ride it out..... Lucky for me I'm not having my nephew over for the game. The 16 year-old is a master of negativity and spewing the hate at McCarthy whenever anything goes wrong......the boy expects 56-0 every game....LOL

It will definitely help that Neal and Worthy are both healthier. They can take up some of the slack with a better push by the D-line. I would imagine Capers will get pretty creative with the blitzes. My prediction is the defense actually has a pretty good day. I think the game really comes down to how well the O-line protects Rodgers, and gets enough push for the running game to be effective.

If it turns into a blowout, I hope MM puts Barclay and Van Roten in for some snaps.

It seems to me that the Packers can defeat Stafford and Calvin the old-fashioned way - keep them off the field. NO SHOOTOUTS. Run the ball, and make long, time-consuming drives. Make Suh huff and puff and gasp for air.....

I too think the D will be ok, more rotation will keep the legs fresh and the heat on Stafford...ive been wondering if MM has been saving some stuff for the Div games,and now I suspect Dom has been as well, time to cry Havoc and let loose the dogs of war...a win on the road against and up and down Div foe will accomplish a few things,Solidify our standing in the Norris while sinking the Lions hopesProve to this fairly young D that we can win on the roadProve to this D they CAN win without the star,

You are right about the rotation for fresh legs, it is key.Look for major substitutions towards the end of the first and third quarters. Another way to win is cut loose with the offense and force Stafford to keep up with Rodgers.

Unfortunately, they're going to run their offense, and that means going for da BOMB when it's 3rd and 1. They have sooooo many ways to get those short first downs and continue drives, but they insist on going for it all....and it fails the majority of times. For all the excitement of the bombs that succeed, the failures are just too many. I'd rather see those wonderfully boring 8-minute drives.......

The Lions are none too confident to be facing Aaron Rodgers without starting safeties Louis Delmas and Amari Speivey and defensive tackle Corey Williams. Under those circumstances, it's unlikely the Packers will be leaning more heavily on the run. As for Detroit's offense, a Tramon Williams-led bracket of Calvin Johnson would be wise, leaving Titus Young as about the only other target for Stafford.

Monteee, Starting to scare me, my thoughts exactly. Yes, the bomb is a lot more miss than hit especially on 3rd and 1 as you mentioned. My hope is that with the extra week, we get Starks more chances to run and with Jordy back too, we can do some things.

Pack defense might still do the job but "next man up" is tough when you start talking about your best defensive players and you are starting a number of second-stringers against a formidable offense.

C'mon Coach Mike, I've always been a supporter, run the clock and get the "W"!